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The Digital Media Awards (DMA), a leading platform in East Africa for recognizing digital innovation, creativity, and brand storytelling, has increased the competition for its 2025 edition by introducing its most globally diverse judging panel to date. This year’s panel includes a strong group of professionals from across Africa and the international creative sector, enhancing the awards’ reputation and indicating a wider change in how African digital work is being assessed and acknowledged.

Among the notable names is Jolomi Awala from Nigeria, the Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy Africa Nigeria, a creative leader recognized for his unique cultural understanding, innovative storytelling methods, and leadership within one of the world’s most prestigious advertising networks. Nigeria is also represented by marketing strategist Anietie Udoh and strategy thought-leader Nnenna Onyewuchi, who are part of an esteemed panel of judges from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, and global markets.

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The event, set to take place on December 11 in Nairobi, is anticipated to be one of the most lively meetings of creative and digital experts in the region. The awards cover a broad spectrum of fields such as digital storytelling, platform development, social media content, mobile communication, performance marketing, brand engagement, and cutting-edge technologies, areas where African creativity has been making significant strides worldwide.

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Commenting on the importance of the 2025 jury members, the DMA Organizing Committee stated that the increased diversity is intentional and well-considered:

Our objective has consistently been to bring African creativity to the global spotlight. By forming a jury that is so varied, seasoned, and culturally aware, we are making significant progress. This is more than just a ceremony; it represents Africa’s increasing impact on worldwide digital culture.

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Industry experts state that the choice reflects a pressing requirement to ensure that the assessment of African digital work is based on both local insight and international standards. The success of award ceremonies depends on the quality of their judging panels, and the DMA seems determined to establish a new regional benchmark: panels with extensive regional knowledge, global expertise, and experience across different markets.

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With esteemed voices such as Awala, recognized for driving culturally impactful campaigns and enhancing the Nigerian and East African creative scene within Ogilvy’s worldwide framework, the 2025 event aims to highlight work that is not only exceptional but also groundbreaking.

Nigeria’s prominent presence on the jury sends a clear message. In the past ten years, the nation’s creative and digital sectors have seen rapid expansion, fueled by youth-driven creativity, fintech advancements, mobile-focused communication, and the worldwide popularity of Afrobeats and Nollywood.

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Nigeria is now regularly listed among Africa’s leading countries in terms of digital advertising expenditure, and its agencies and creative experts are gaining more recognition on global stages such as Cannes Lions, Loeries, and New York Festivals.

Amidst this context, numerous analysts view the DMA’s acknowledgment of Nigerian leadership as a crucial adjustment to regional circumstances: Nigeria is not merely engaging in Africa’s cultural revival, but is also playing a leading role in it.

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Awala, considering the wider significance of his selection, stated: “Being a member of this jury is an honor, but even more so, a duty. African creativity is courageous, deeply rooted in culture, and becoming more worldwide. A platform such as the DMA enables us to recognize works that do not only receive accolades, but also influence culture.”

Marketing innovation consultant Anietie Udoh stated that having various markets represented on the jury maintains the credibility of the awards and ensures that digital work is evaluated through diverse cultural, strategic, and technological viewpoints.

The power of African digital innovation comes from its unique viewpoint. Combining voices from various markets helps ensure that the best ideas emerge, not only the most refined but also the most impactful. I am honored to represent Nigeria on such a progressive panel.

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Industry experts claim that this year’s DMA jury announcement occurs at a pivotal time for Africa’s digital landscape.

Throughout the continent, spending on digital advertising has risen significantly, fueled by higher smartphone usage, a rise in mobile shopping, and the growth of international platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Meta, and Spotify in African markets. Companies are allocating more resources to campaign strategies focused on results, data-informed narratives, and social media content that reflects stronger cultural connections.

Advertising agencies, which previously concentrated mainly on conventional marketing, have transformed their operations to include comprehensive digital solutions, combining creative planning, technology, content creation, and platform development. This change has enhanced Africa’s competitive edge, allowing agencies to create work that matches international standards.

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The DMA has played a crucial role in this transformation. In the last ten years, the awards have showcased groundbreaking campaigns from both new and established markets, boosting African perspectives within the global digital landscape. By enhancing its panel and expanding its cultural influence, the 2025 edition represents the current reality: Africa is no longer just watching the global digital culture, but actively contributing, influencing, and in certain instances, leading the way.

Organizers claim the upcoming event will go beyond a single evening of awards. It will act as a time for shared contemplation, acknowledgment, and joy, bringing together people that reflect the path of Africa’s digital future.

From Lagos to Nairobi, Johannesburg to Accra, Kigali to Kampala, African concepts are influencing world culture with remarkable strength. Whether via trending content, mobile-focused innovation, technology-based narrative techniques, or heritage-based marketing experiences, African artists are progressively defining the direction rather than following it.

As the continent prepares for the upcoming phase of digital evolution, the 2025 DMA jury represents the direction in which the industry is moving:

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).